Kroger's Fest-a-Ville℠
SEE FULL SCHEDULE & MAPApril 24 – May 2, 2025
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM: Daily Hours
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Sunday Hours
(Food, drink and pets are NOT permitted)
Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville entry is a 2025 Pegasus Pin!
The ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE featuring concerts with local and regional acts, family fun, food, kids’ inflatable playground, midway rides and more.
Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront will return for its 19th year in 2025. Sponsored by Kroger, the party starts on the Great Lawn and runs through Derby Eve. It promises to have something for everyone – and admission is free with a 2025 Pegasus Pin.
The 900,000-square-foot venue will host several Festival events, including the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glows, Chow Wagon, Neigh-Maste, Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes, HappyTail Hour, Ken-Ducky Derby and more.
Fest-a-Ville also offers a wide variety of activities for children, featuring midway-area and attractions at Pegasus Play-Ville Presented by Norton Children’s, including merry-go-round, ships ahoy, a giant slide and much more.
From the opening day ribbon-cutting to Derby Eve, Fest-a-Ville will be the downtown destination at Kentucky Derby Festival time.
Rides at the Pegasus Play-Ville include:
– Ali Baba
– Car ride
– Charlie Chopper
– Expo Wheel
– Fun House/Fun Slide
– Little Ferris Wheel
– Merry Go Round
– Music Express
– Quads
– Round Up
– Sizzler
– Ships Ahoy
– The Little Pirate Ship
– Zumerz
Thursday, April 25 / 4pm – Close
Friday, April 26 / 12pm – Close
Saturday, April 27 / 12pm – Close
Sunday, April 28 / 12pm – Close
Monday, April 29 / 4pm – Close
Tuesday, April 30/ 4pm – Close
Wednesday, May 1 / 4pm – Close
Thursday, May 2 / 4pm – Close
Friday, May 3 / 11am – Close
Performances by local and regional acts spanning a variety of musical genres will take the Miller Lite Music Stage at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, including:
- Thursday, April 24: Kentucky Blue (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Red Thurzday (4-7 p.m.); Latin Night Featuring Henry Miles with DJ Xavi (8 p.m.-close)
- Friday, April 25: Savannah Dean Reeves (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); The Wilson Brothers (4-7 p.m.); The Foxies (8 p.m.-close)
- Saturday, April 26: Lampus (4-7 p.m.); Soul Circus (8 p.m.-close)
- Sunday, April 27: Whiskey Bent Valley Boys (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.)
- Monday, April 28: Mike Tracy Trio (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Cicily B and The Muse Effect (4-7 p.m.); Level Ground (8 p.m.-close)
- Tuesday, April 29: HartShaker (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Soul Kitchen (4-7 p.m.); Unlimited Show Band (8 p.m.-close)
- Wednesday, April 30: Justin Paul Lewis (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); The Bottle Trees Band (4-7 p.m.); Radiotronic (8 p.m.-close)
- Thursday, May 1: Most Wanted (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); Dean Heckel (4-7 p.m.); The Velcro Pygmies (8 p.m.-close)
- Friday, May 2: Derby Eve Jam featuring Roses & Rattlesnakes (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); White Lighter (4-7 p.m.); Cody Ikerd and the Sidewinders (8 p.m.-close)
In addition to live entertainment on the Miller Lite Music Stage, there will be artists performing daily in the Grove.
Highlights of the 2025 Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront line-up include:
- Double Glows: Fest-a-Ville goers can experience one of the Derby Festival’s most colorful and picturesque events twice during the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glows on Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25. The evening kicks off with the Parade of Balloons at 7 p.m., followed by a Balloon Staging at 8 p.m., and the Glow at 9 p.m., Great Lawn. Come early, get a prime-viewing spot, grab dinner and see the balloons parade over before the Glow. This one-of-a-kind experience features balloons on the field but they do not ascend. As the pilots fire their burners, guests can watch the balloons glow against the night sky synchronized to a special musical score. Walk around the field, talk to pilots and see eye-catching balloons on full display as they illuminate the Waterfront. Sponsor: L&N Federal Credit Union. Contributing Sponsors: AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists, Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay, Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, Shady Rays and UA Local 502. Official Broadcast Partner: WLKY. Media Sponsor: MIX 106.9.
- Two Car Shows: Cars & Coffee Presented by Mecum Auctions returns for the third year on Saturday, April 26 from 4-8 p.m., Great Lawn. Enjoy a variety of cars, including muscle, imports and German and American favorites from all over the region under the lights. Produced by Exotic Cars and Coffee. Presenting Sponsor: Mecum Auctions. Official Vehicle Wrap Partner: Digital EFX. Media Sponsor: ALT 105.1. Back for the second straight year is a Custom Car Showcase Presented by USO & Individuals Car Club on Sunday, April 27 from noon-5 p.m., Great Lawn. Featuring beautifully painted and detailed custom cars from all across the U.S. and Canada.
- Motorcycle Night Presented by Mecum Auctions: Thursday, May 1, 5 p.m.-close, Great Lawn. Enjoy a variety of motorcycles from all over the region. The first 200 people will receive a free Pegasus Pin.
- Louisville Turners Circus: Thursday, May 1, 6-7:30 p.m., Great Lawn. The local circus company will perform aerial and ground circus acts, including aerial silks, rope, sling, aerial hoop, and dance trapeze.
Other can’t miss experiences of Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville include:
- Chow Wagon: Open during the entire nine days of Fest-a-Ville, this outdoor food and live music venue is a long-running Derby Festival tradition. Happy Hour Weekdays: 4-6 p.m. $4 beers at the Beer Garden. Sponsor: Kroger. Music Stage Sponsor: Miller Lite.
- Pegasus Play-Ville, sponsored by Norton Children’s, features a variety of kid-friendly activities. Rides are open from noon-close on weekends (Friday-Sunday) and 4 p.m.-close on weekdays.
- NeighMaste on the Waterfront: Friday, April 25, noon-1 p.m., Great Lawn. Festival goers can relax and recharge at this yoga event while enjoying views of the Ohio River and Louisville skyline. Produced by YogaSix.
- Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes: Friday, April 25, 6-7:30 p.m., Great Lawn. Special meet-and-greet with OVW stars at 5 p.m., followed by six big matches, including a special “Every Man for Himself Free-For-All” over the top rope Battle Royal.Produced by Ohio Valley Wrestling.
- Ken-Ducky Derby: Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Call to the Post: 4 p.m.; Duck Drop: 4:02 p.m. See the launch of nearly 50,000 ducks into the Ohio River for a chance to race and compete for prizes. Proceeds benefit Harbor House of Louisville.
- Saturday Soiree Derby Drag Show: Saturday, April 26, 1-3 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage. A Drag Show featuring some of Louisville’s finest entertainers. For VIP tickets, visit LouPrideKy.org (18 and over only). Produced by the Louisville Pride Foundation.
- Mascot Party Presented by the League of Mascots: Sunday, April 27, 1-3 p.m.
- GospelFest Presented by Passport Health Plan By Molina Healthcare and Republic Bank: Sunday, April 27, 6-9 p.m., Miller Lite Music Stage. Gospel Artist and Choir Showcase featuring performances by Otis Kemp, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Jermanine Dolly and more. Sponsors: Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare and Republic Bank. Contributing Sponsor: Park DuValle Community Health Centers. Media Sponsor: B96.5 FM.
- HappyTail Hour: Tuesday, April 29, 5-8 p.m., Great Lawn. Bring your four-legged friend to this pet-friendly event. Produced by Metro Animal Services.
- Shepherd Insurance Great Steamboat Race Watch Party: Wednesday, April 30, 6 p.m., Great Lawn.
- Ohio Valley Wrestling Double Crossed Match: Thursday, May 1, 7-9 p.m., Great Lawn. Live televised Ohio Valley Wrestling event featuring a four-corner battle. Special meet-and-greet with OVW stars at 6 p.m. Produced by Ohio Valley Wrestling.
- Heroes in Education Day is Thursday, May 1. Free admission for educators.
- Military Day is Friday, May 2 with free admission all day for Veterans and active military with their military ID.
How do I purchase food and drinks?
Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville is now cashless. Food and drinks can be purchased with your Debit or Credit Card, or on a card you pre-load onsite at designated booths or automated distribution machines. Only cards can be used for purchasing food and beverage.
Does Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville offer recycling?
Recycling is important to KDF. Recycling receptacles are scattered throughout the venue. You will find them next to the garbage cans. The receptacles accept plastic bottles, cans and cups only.
Is first aid available?
First Aid stations are located in multiple locations on the venue.
Is KDF merchandise available?
KDF merchandise is offered – just look for the trailer on the Chow Wagon side of the venue!
What about Pegasus Pins?
KDF Pegasus Pins, old and new, are available for sale in the Pin Trailer near the front gate of the Chow Wagon. Also, a 2025 Pegasus Pin is required for entry to the event and those can be purchased outside the front gates.
Is there special pricing for Happy Hour?
Happy Hour is offered weekdays from 4-6pm. Beers are available for only $4.00 each at the Beer Garden.
Do you offer other alcoholic beverages in addition to beer?
We offer beer, but also offer wine, bourbon, vodka, gin and a great variety of spirits for sale on the venue. Check out our bars for specifics.
What is the policy on pets?
Pets are not permitted on the venue. An exception is made during HappyTail Hour, Dog owners are encouraged to bring their pet/s and mingle with other dog lovers during this special programming.
Do you have any other restrictions or policies for the venue?
Food, drink, coolers, cans, bottles, bikes, blades, scooters and skateboards are not permitted in the venue. All personal bags are subject to search.
Where can I park for the event?
In Downtown Louisville, there are more than 52,000 public parking, off-street spaces within a 10-block walk to the River. For more information on garage and lot locations visit one of these websites at: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parking-authority-parc or contact the Parking Authority of River City (PARC) at (502) 587-PARK.
Will rain or weather cancel the event?
Very rarely, we will close or postpone the event due to weather. We will notify our media outlets if we do so.
Do you offer special programming for military?
Yes, military day is featured on Friday, May 2. All military personnel will get FREE admission to the venue between 11:00 AM and 11:00 PM.
